Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Warrington; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rare disease startup is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead in Warrington, UK, to manage the medical governance framework and strategic direction for an upcoming orphan therapy launch. The ideal candidate will have ABPI Final Signatory certification and significant experience in Medical Affairs leadership, with strong knowledge in rare diseases and ophthalmology preferred. This is a remote role with occasional travel, offering a chance to shape the future of patient access in a crucial market.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Medical Affairs leadership roles.
• Exposure to rare diseases and orphan drugs a plus.
• Background in ophthalmology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure successful pre-launch readiness.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Governance

Strategic planning

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Warrington, Cheshire

Client: wax.

Location: Warrington, Cheshire, UK / Remote

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

10.06.2025

Expiry Date:

25.07.2025

Job Description:

Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (Final Signatory)

Location: UK/Remote

Start: June/July 2025

Focus: Rare Disease | Ophthalmology

An exciting opportunity for an experienced ABPI Final Signatory to lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for the UK launch of a first-in-class orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology.

This is a strategic interim role supporting early access, governance, and scientific engagement ahead of a landmark UK launch in 2026.

Key Points:

• ABPI Final Signatory certification (essential)
• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience
• Rare disease or orphan drug exposure is a plus
• Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme experience (nice to have)
• Ophthalmology background (nice to have)
• Fully remote with occasional travel

This is a startup situation, so you will be shaping the medical governance framework, driving scientific strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure a successful pre-launch phase within a lean, agile setup.

Contract: Approximately 6–9 months, through to post-launch readiness.

If you are interested, please get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion.

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